Description

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service. Civic Works goals are to Build Brighter Futures through education and job training, grow Healthy Food and Green Communities, and create Safe and Affordable Housing.

Program Mission and/or Goals:

YouthBuild Baltimore's goals are to offer training, leadership development, and educational experience foreconomically disadvantaged youth, while increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income families.

Community Need:

This AmeriCorps position will serve under the National Focus Areas of Affordable Housing and Environmental Stewardship, making energy efficient tiny homes and performing constructive upgrades and retrofits to existing structures. 

YouthBuild fulfills the community need for affordable housing by rehabilitating pre-existing structures (vacant homes) in Baltimore City. YouthBuild also fulfills the area of environmental stewardship by constructing energy efficient tiny homes which provide ways to reduce environmental impact of living structures. Youthbuild gives a second chance to Baltimore City youth who have dropped out of high school by providing construction training and certifications, assistance in earning a high school diploma or GED, and job placement services.

Member Position Summary:

Construction Trainees will construct and rehabilitate homes in Baltimore City alongside a skilled construction supervisor and staff from the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Trainees will learn a range of skills from site inspection and controlled demolition to finish carpentry and painting. Trainees will receive OSHA 10, Sherwin Williams professional painting, and Home Builders Institute certifications, job development opportunities, and educational support to obtain their high school diploma or GED. Trainees will have opportunities to give presentations about what they learn to fellow AmeriCorps members, staff, and other Baltimore organizations and community members. Construction Trainees will serve 450 hours, receive a bi-weekly stipend of $510 before taxes, and an education award of $ 1,566.14 upon program completion.

Qualifications

Necessary Training or Training Plan to be implemented prior to Member Placement:

Construction Trainees will participate in a five day long “Mental Toughness” training that consists of overviews of Civic Works, YouthBuild, and AmeriCorps policies and history, the importance of service, core values, team building activities, and physical training. Construction Trainees will also receive tool safety and use, professional development, and education trainings.

Member Impact:

Participants will construct Tiny Homes and rehabilitate homes of low-income residents for more affordable homeownership, energy efficiency, and the beautification of Baltimore City.

Essential Functions of Position:

Construction Trainees will construct and rehabilitate two homes in Baltimore City alongside a skilled construction supervisor and staff from the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Trainees will learn a wide range of skills from site inspection and controlled demolition to finish carpentry and painting. Trainees will have opportunities to give presentations to and share what they learn with fellow AmeriCorps members, staff, and Baltimore organizations and community members. while increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income families.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Applicants must have good communication skills and be reliable.
• Previous construction experience is a plus but eagerness to learn is required as the program will train in basic carpentry skills.
• Applicants must be able to make it to our office on Brehms Lane every morning.
• Physical ability to stoop, crawl, stand, bend, climb ladders of varying heights, and lift up to 50 pounds for proper installation of energy saving equipment.
• Ability to serve in varying conditions with exposure to any or all of the following: heat, cold, heights, dust, dirt, indoors, and outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

• Applicants must have or be working towards a high school diploma or GED.
• Age 17 or older.
• Ability to commit to the full service term of 450 hours
• Must pass initial drug test, submit to criminal background check, and understand and comply with the Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy, Safety Plan and Personnel Policies.